Oak tree loses battle; needy families gain firewood

Soccer moms and dads, as well as students at Orenco Elementary School, may have noticed the disappearance of an oak tree edging a playing field there. The white oak tree, more than 120 years old, was not able to struggle back to good health after losing a large branch several years earlier.

Jim Peterson, school district facilities coordinator, said that all trees removed from school grounds are cut into firewood-sized logs, and donated to Washington County Woodcutters. This nonprofit group provides wood free of charge to low-income seniors to ensure they stay warm through the winter. Nobody is too old to benefit from our schools!